Agenda item

The Portfolio Holder for Growth and Prosperity (and Deputy Leader) to submit a report to note the work undertaken in support of growth and prosperity and approve plans to establish a new Food Enterprise Centre in Melton.

Cabinet:

 

1)  NOTED the work undertaken to support the promotion of growth and prosperity within Melton.

2)  APPROVED plans to establish a new Food Enterprise Centre in Melton and notes the resources allocated and next steps.

Pranali Parikh, Director for Growth and Regeneration introduced the report, the purpose of which was to note the work undertaken in support of growth and prosperity and approve plans to establish a new Food Enterprise Centre in Melton.

 

Ms. Parikh advised that establishing a Food Enterprise Centre and reinforcing Melton’s identity as a rural capital of food was a priority within the Council’s Corporate Strategy.  The food production sector was key to Melton’s economy and the Council’s support and enhancement was crucial.  Total funding for the project was £150k (representing Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership funding of £100k and Council funding of £50k).

 

Ms. Parikh detailed the Council’s ambitious plan to establish a Food Enterprise Centre (working with and enabling farmers and food growers in the area; facilitating development of employment sites and facilities by developing the sites allocated in the Local Plan; technical support for businesses to help them retain and grow in size and ambition; developing skills in partnership with educational establishments to use skills and expertise; enhancing experience on the high street, within the town centre and rural areas by connecting food production and food experience placed and creating the farm to folk approach) and plan for enhancement through development of a cluster of businesses with on site production, classroom development facilities, networking possibilities, promotion and marketing.  Partnership working would be key to the success of the project.

 

Funding opportunities would be sought for the next phase of Food Enterprise Centre investment and a range of activities to help create a detailed business case were detailed within the report.

 

Councillor Leigh Higgins, Portfolio Holder for Growth & Prosperity (and Deputy Leader) thanked Ms. Parikh and her team for their work.  He highlighted that Melton was a strategic growth area in the Leicestershire growth plan and the strategic growth plan, which had been adopted.  Sustainable growth was key to the creation of employment opportunities.

 

Councillor Higgins thanked the hospitality sector for their endurance through the Covid-19 pandemic.  The Council had undertaken work to support the sector and continued to lobby Government to ensure it received adequate funding.

 

Councillor Higgins highlighted that the Council aimed to include other initiatives in this plan to ensure that Melton benefited from any growth.  He noted the work of food scientists to help drive Melton’s economy and commented on the success of local businesses, which helped to promote Melton.  He added that a Food Enterprise Centre would drive regeneration and tourism.

 

During discussion the following points were noted:

 

• Members welcomed the proposals and plans detailed in the report and thanks Councillor Higgins, Ms. Parikh and her team for their work.
• Melton’s high quality food products were based on history, heritage and tradition and were enjoyed nationally and internationally, as well as locally.
• Food was a growing industry and the plans to support and enhance this sector were important for Melton’s future.  Members looked forward to the economic investment and improvements in Melton as a result of the project.
• Members noted that the Council was working closely with it’s partners on the project.  Consultation with food production businesses had been undertaken last year in order to understand their needs and growth requirements.  The feedback informed the proposed activities detailed in the report.  This evidence base would be built on over the next 12 to 18 months.

 

Cabinet:

 

1)  NOTED the work undertaken to support the promotion of growth and prosperity within Melton.

2)  APPROVED plans to establish a new Food Enterprise Centre in Melton and notes the resources allocated and next steps.

 

Reason for the decision

 

Priority 3 of the Council’s Corporate Strategy (2020-2024) Delivering sustainable and inclusive growth in Melton, identifies a key focus to be on ‘working with partners to promote Melton, and deliver the promise of the ‘Rural Capital of food’ (RCOF)’.

 

Melton has significantly higher than the national average of food and drink related manufacturing with approximately 3,000 people employed in the sector in 2017 (ONS).

 

This work is crucial in preparing a strong framework to guide future activities and attract inward investment in the area. The range of activities include development of the cattle market site to accommodate on-site food production businesses, business support activities, events, demonstrations, skills development, tourism and markets. Together all above mentioned activities contribute positively to create a strong brand for RCOF.

 

Establishing a Food Enterprise Centre in Melton  is anticipated to achieve the following benefits:          

•   Covid-19 has had a significant affect on food and drink related businesses. Some have been able to adapt and survive by switching their focus to online, or by changing the product line, but many others have found it increasingly difficult and often struggled to access the right support for them. Niche and technical business support for food production businesses is a gap this proposal will seek to fill.

•   Supporting the creation of new businesses through the support provided by development/ experimental kitchen space

•   Increased footfall and activities on site due to demonstration events, networking events, food festivals, training opportunities and retail offer

•   A new brand with associated literature and web presence for the southern site area and the offer of FEC

•   Improved understanding and provision of the infrastructure that are necessary on site to attract and retain major events throughout the year

•   Potential opportunity to raise awareness about the role of food production in climate change as well as health and well-being agenda 

•   A detailed business case informed by evidence, for future provision of facilities, infrastructure and support required and financial implications for the same

•   Recognition of the Council’s proactive approach and commitment to delivering the RCOF offer by using its assets and resources and leveraging further private sector investment

•   Melton will not just be known as the home of the pork pie or stilton cheese but as the place to go for a truly engaging and unique food experience that goes beyond just food but explore further our heritage, our unique stories that enrich the experience.